Tag Archives: spinal treatment

Proper care for the surgical incision is one of the most important aspects of post-operative home recuperation following back surgery. The surgical incision may be closed with dissolvable sutures and steri-strips, staples, or sutures. Staples or visible sutures should be removed 14 days following the spinal surgery. You won’t be permitted to apply any ointments or lotions to the incision while it is healing. You should not bathe in a tub, swim, or use a hot tub until your incision is healed, either. Read More »

Recently we addressed the topic of claudication, pain typically felt in the legs as a result of vascular, or blood vessel problems, or back problems such as spinal stenosis that can result in pinched nerves in the lower back. Neurogenic claudication is a common symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis, an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar, or lower portion of the spine. Neurogenic refers to the problem’s genesis in the nerves, and claudication, Latin for limp, refers to the painful weakness or cramping the patient feels in his or her legs. Neurogenic claudication can be bilateral (in both legs) or unilateral (in one leg). The pain may be triggered by walking or prolonged standing, and is typically alleviated by changing position or flexion of the waist, not simply by resting, as happens with vascular claudication. In severe cases, the pain may be persistent. Bone spurs, bulging discs and herniated discs can also cause neurogenic claudication. Read More »

Patients scheduled for back surgery are rightfully concerned about their recuperation, and how they will care for themselves once home after the spinal surgery procedure. This is an important subject to discuss with your spine surgeon. Some general rules apply to all patients following back surgery. First and foremost, plan on taking an active role in your recovery, and that starts by getting into shape before your back surgery. With your surgeon, physical therapist and others, discuss what activities you can engage in as well as restrictions you need to observe. If you don’t have someone who can provide the assistance you will need in the first days after your return home following back surgery, a home attendant will be provided for you. You will be prescribed pain medications, which help you heal by letting your muscles relax, instead of contracting and writhing in reaction to pain. Let your body rest. You may require frequent naps, as your body recovers from the stress of surgery, and narcotic pain medications induce drowsiness. Read More »

You had spinal surgery two days ago – perhaps it was for a simple but persistent pinched nerve, or maybe it was a treatment for a spinal cord injury. Yesterday was your first post-operative day. You were groggy and uncomfortable, but you sensed already that something inside has been fixed, that you’re not under the same internal stress as you were before you were admitted for surgery some 48 hours ago. Possibly you spent the first night in the Intensive Care Unit, or ICU, as planned before surgery, in order to be ready for any post operative complications your spine surgeon was concerned about, due to the particulars of your spinal problem or health history. But now you’re in a regular hospital room. You had your first visit with your physical therapist yesterday and likely you got out of bed and were able to walk to a chair across the room and sit on it. Read More »

With advanced procedures performed by highly trained and experienced surgeons, spinal surgery today boasts highly successful outcomes. Yet complications can and do occur during the recovery process after surgery. The spinal surgery patient serves as the first line of defense, taking an active role in managing his or her recovery.

Infection is one post-operative risk. Infections occur in about one to two percent of patients who have back surgery. You will be prescribed antibiotics as part of your recovery regimen, and instructed in how to care for your surgical incision. It’s important to carefully follow all of your physician’s directives to minimize the chances of infection occurring.

Pneumonia is another post-surgery risk. Again, taking an active role in your recovery is the best way to avoid this or other respiratory problems. Post-operative respiratory difficulties are exacerbated by inactivity and shallow breathing. The sooner you get up and about, the less chance of post-operative pneumonia. Read More »